What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon iMac? Is it for me?

To help you determine whether or not one of the Apple Silicon iMac models is the best Mac for you, an objective, quick-to-read "pros and cons" can be ideal.

This Q&A addresses all Apple Silicon iMac models. In general terms, for someone only interested in the highlights, these models are similar to one another.

This Q&A includes the original iMac "M1" 8 CPU/7 GPU/2 Ports (2021) and iMac "M1" 8 CPU/8 GPU/4 Ports (2021) and the iMac "M3" 8 CPU/8 GPU/2 Ports 24" (2023) and iMac "M3" 8 CPU/10 GPU/4 Ports 24" (2023) -- for someone considering a used model.

It also includes the current iMac "M4" 8 CPU/8 GPU/2 Ports 24" (2024) and iMac "M4" 10 CPU/10 GPU/4 Ports 24" (2024) -- for someone considering a new one.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Silicon iMac - M1/M3 Green)

For those interested in more detail, EveryMac.com also offers in-depth comparisons of the original "2021 M1" iMac models, the subsequent "2023 M3" iMac models, and the current "2024 M4" iMac models.

For those who like a quick "run down," though, the following can be everything you need to decide:

Pros:

• Thin, sleek, and colorful design.
• Quite fast for the price.
• Attractive, high-quality 4.5K internal display.
• Support for at least a second display as large as 6K (the current high-end iMac "M4" 10 CPU/10 GPU/4 Ports 24" (2024) supports two external 6K displays, even).
• Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports for fast external connectivity.
• Good quality 1080p FaceTime HD camera on "2021 M1" and "2023 M3" models and an even better "Center Stage" camera on "2024 M4" models.
• Three-mic array and six-speaker system.
• Not a bad value for a computer with a quality integrated display.

Cons:

• Yellow, orange, and purple colors originally were only are available on more expensive configurations (current "2024 M4" models all have the same color options regardless of price point).
• Light gray bezel around the display is arguably unattractive.
• Two Thunderbolt ports limits fast external connectivity (on all models except for the current high-end iMac "M4" 10 CPU/10 GPU/4 Ports 24" (2024)).
• Essentially disposable; non-upgradable processor, GPU, RAM, and storage will limit the useful life of the computer.
• No eGPU support.
• No SD card slot.
• No default VESA mount capability.
• Lack of Ethernet on the entry-level models is a particularly miserly omission.
• More expensive than plenty of Windows PCs.

So, is an Apple Silicon iMac right for me?

Basically, if you want a fun and colorful new Apple all-in-one, have no need for internal expansion, are not on a tight budget, and are not concerned about the environmental aspect of an essentially disposable computer, an Apple Silicon iMac would be ideal for you. It essentially is your only new Mac option.

Naturally, the Apple Silicon iMac costs less on the used market and earlier models might be preferable to those who want a modern all-in-one Mac and who would like to save a bit of money, as well.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iMac models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iMac models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iMac, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older iMac with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used iMac models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.